Perceptions of gynecologists and general physicians about therapeutic (legal) abortion: a study from Kerman, Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of gynecologists and general physicians working in Kennan city about legal abortion.

This cross-sectional study carried out in Kerman. A random sample of 30 gynecologists JnJ 11 O general physicians participated in the study. Data collection was carried out by an investigator using a valid quesuonnaire.

The majority of respondents were female (62.1 %) and 49% working in a university. Fifty-nine percent of sample believed that there were frequent criminal abortion and all agreed that one way to reduce the mortality of pregnant women is need for a proper legislation. Among the 9 mdicanons for legal abortion, the highest degree of agreement was related to major thalassemia (99.3%J and an HIV-positive mother (96.4%). The lowest agreement rate was seen for severe heart disease stage IT (40%) and mother's major depression with suicidal thoughts (65.5%).

In spite of the existing indications for therapeutic abortion, many participants either had no opinion or disagreed. In order to have newborns and prevent mortality of pregnant mothers there is need for Continuing Medical Education (CME) on legal abortion.